2020 saw a new low as the sports field witnessed the passing away of one of its longest-serving members. The unfortunate demise of Dean Jones while being a part of the host broadcaster’s commentary panel for the IPL 2020 edition left everyone in grief.
The former Australian batsman, who featured in 52 Tests and 164 ODIs averaged 46.55 and 44.62 respectively with 18 international tons to his belt. He was one of the players who reinvented the style of approach towards the ODI cricket and his innovative strokeplay were some intricate developments in the game.
Sachin Tendulkar was one of many who paid tribute to the legend, talking about the times he saw him play and also shared a personal story. “He would have been hundred percent one of the most popular T20 players without any doubt. Had there been an auction, Deano would have been a player much in-demand. It’s a bitter pill to swallow. Whatever you say, it is a massive tragedy. My heart goes out to his friends and family. Just think of it, he was only 59 years old. He may have had so much to contribute. I pray for his departed soul.”
Sachin also shared a story when he was nowhere near being the ‘God of Cricket.’ He said, “While I was growing up, I had seen Dean Jones bat on a number of occasions, but when I went to Australia in 1991, getting a chance to play against someone whom you kind of grew up watching, I remember there were a number of players in their team like Allan Border, David Boon, Geoff Marsh, Bruce Reid.
As a 13-year-old, 14-year-old kid, I had watched all these bowlers, I had watched all of them and then I was playing against them, the likes of Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh, so Dean Jones was without any doubt one of those guys I grew up watching, then to actually be playing against him was truly special.”
Sachin also mentioned how Australia were one of the toughest sides to play in the 1990s and Dean Jones was a crucial part of it.
featured image credits- IndiaToday
